Parsons Brinckerhoff to analyze Detroit transit corridor alternatives

In Michigan, the Southeastern Council of Governments has awarded a contract to Parsons Brinckerhoff to perform an alternatives analysis (AA) for the Woodward Avenue rapid transit project in Detroit.

The AA will review rapid transit options for a 30-mile corridor along Woodward Avenue from Detroit to Pontiac. The study area includes the cities of Detroit, Ferndale, Royal Oak, Huntington Woods, Berkley, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills and Pontiac.

As the prime consultant, Parsons Brinckerhoff will be responsible for conducting an AA process leading to the selection of a locally preferred alternative, along with preparation of a New Starts/Small Starts report and the draft environmental review document. The process will take a comprehensive look at the regional mobility needs in southeast Michigan and guide the alternatives discussion through the environmental review process.

The Woodward Corridor is the first of four corridors that were mentioned in a recent proposal for a new regional authority and bus rapid transit system for a 113-mile regional transit network. The project will be completed in early 2014.